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Milton D. Carrero Quiñones, MD, FACP, ACP Governor

 Governor's Message

Dear Colleagues,

As you may know, I am the new governor for the ACP's Puerto Rico chapter. I am grateful for the great trust that you have placed upon me. I welcome the challenge of leading the local chapter of an organization that I have admired since my years of residency. I feel confident that with your support we will be successful in our goals.

Some of you have already approached me to express your willingness to collaborate in bringing our chapter to its highest potential. Others will soon hear me knocking at their door to ensure that we do everything we can to improve our organization and our profession. That is my intention. I am motivated by the work that you have all done, not only to care for the wellbeing of your patients, but also to ensure the good practice of medicine. You have all achieved great feats, in spite of the obstacles affecting our profession. We can begin by mentioning the fact that each day there are fewer doctors willing to stay in the archipelago to treat our patients.

I am also motivated by the new generation of physicians who are eager to begin practicing medicine in Puerto Rico. Those who have just finished their residency or specialty and who see in our island their home and a platform to further their vision of excellence in medical care. I have seen these young doctors fight against all odds to surpass the challenges of modern medical practice. They are my companions in battle. We also celebrate together when things go our way and we are able to safeguard our patients from the dangers of illness.

I have seen these doctors grow and develop their insight every day during the Morning Reports and External Clinics. Their eyes show their powerful will, as if saying: ‘I will become the best physician in the world for the sake of my patients!’ They hone their talents and compassion during long shifts and care for their patients like family members. We must provide them with the best work environment to protect their education, not only during their initial training but also later when they are already practicing in the field.

I am also familiar with those who have retired with the satisfaction of having accomplished their duty well. We need both the young and the more experienced to continue forging our path. And that is the purpose of these words I now write to you dear colleagues. Together we will continue to aim for new challenges and solutions. You are part of this immense conglomerate of medical professionals, filled with insights and ideas that will be vital to complete the goals of our chapter during the next four years.

This is why I am including in this letter the list of committees and areas of work where you can collaborate. I invite you to respond directly through my email or through text message. I would like to meet you and to learn about your experience and where you see yourself helping this chapter in the years to come. I am willing and able to help our chapter shine and I am sure that you want the same.

Accept the challenge now and you will have the respect and admiration of all of us who love the medical profession. We have grown to become specialists in the care of our fellow adults and we should feel proud of our mission. I am also writing to those who are not yet members of the ACP, but who possess all of the qualifications to be part of our chapter. I am talking about internists and other subspecialists who have yet to join our organization. These are times that demand solidarity and common growth. It is up to all of us to safeguard the health of our medical practice. We need one another to innovate, to find and to incorporate new solutions.

Join our chapter and help us to continue opening our path as we walk firmly in common ground.

With the utmost respect,

Milton D. Carrero Quiñones, MD, FACP

Governor

ACP Puerto Rico Chapter

carreromd@gmail.com

2026-2027 Puerto Rico Chapter Council

  • Scientific Committee Chairman- Carlos González-Oppenheimer, MD, MACP
  • Membership Committee Chairman- María Valentín, MD, FACP
  • Awards and Nominations Committee Chairman- Myriam Allende, MD, MACP
  • Early Career Physicians Committee Chairman- Christian Camacho, MD
  • Treasurer- Ramón Ramirez-Ronda, MD, FACP
  • Hospitalist Committee Chairman- Carlos Delgado, MD, FACP
  • IM Resident Representative- Jorge Illanas, MD
  • Medical Student Representative- Karen Sanabria
  • Communications Committee Chairman- Cristina González, MD
  • Diversity Committee Chairman- Jorge Soto, MD, FACP
  • Wellness Committee Chairman- Ivette Rivera, MD
  • Past Governor- Edwin Alicea, MD, FACP

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 Puerto Rico Chapter @ 2026 ACP Internal Medicine Meeting

This year, the Puerto Rico Chapter Members actively participated in the 2026 Internal Medicine Annual Meeting held in San Francisco, California from April 15 to 20, 2026.

Following are some highlights of the meeting:

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 Board of Governor Meeting

Dr. Edwin Alicea, Dr. Milton Carrero-Quiñones and Mrs. Rina Vega participated in the 2026 Spring Board Governor Meeting and Chapter's Staff meeting. The Puerto Rico Chapter was recognized for the 10th consecutive time with the Gold Chapter Excellence Award at the awards and recognition luncheon.

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 Doctor's Dilemma© Competition

Dr. Gamaliel Monge, Dr. Iván Figueroa, and Dr. Angel Dávila from The San Juan City Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program team represented our Chapter in the National 2026 Doctors Dilemma Competition.

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 Convocation Ceremony

The Convocation is a ceremony that recognizes outstanding contributors to internal medicine, held yearly at ACP's annual meeting. This year, four new FACPs were inducted Dr. William Marrero, Dr. Mark Vergara, Dr. Pedro Gil de Rubio, and Dr. Myriam García.

Dr. Hilton Franqui was recognized as Chapter Awardee, and Dr. Carlos González-Oppenheimer was conferred the title of Master of the American College of Physicians (MACP), the highest honor bestowed by the American College of Physicians in recognition of outstanding achievement and distinguished service in internal medicine.

Dr. Carlos González-Oppenheimer, MACP

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 Chapter Reception at the National Meeting

As in previous years, our Chapter Reception at the National Meeting is one of the most anticipated events of the weekend. It provides a special opportunity for all our members attending the National Meeting to come together in one place, share insights, and discuss the latest news and interesting presentations from the conference.

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 Wellness Corner

Ivette Rivera, MD

Hello! I'm your Wellbeing Champion for the ACP Puerto Rico Chapter, and I'm delighted to be here. On each newsletter, I'll be sharing practical, evidence-based wellness tips to support our well-being, because caring for ourselves is just as important as caring for our patients, colleagues, and families.

We spend our days solving problems, making decisions, and giving our best to others. In the process, it's easy to overlook the small moments that restore us. Yet research suggests that simple practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, regular physical activity, and meaningful social connection can improve physician well-being and may positively influence sleep, stress, and cardiovascular health. When we pay attention to what gives us energy, we build a compass for our decisions, our time, and our boundaries.

This time, I invite you to notice one small moment each day that helps you feel grounded, energized, or at peace: a quiet breath, a walk outdoors, a meaningful conversation, or a moment of gratitude. Write it down. At the end of the week, ask yourself: What restored me the most, and how can I intentionally make space for it again? Small moments, repeated over time, can have a meaningful impact.

I also invite you to join our monthly Wellness Walk at the Jardín Botánico de Río Piedras. Plan ahead and save the dates:

August 15, September 12, October 3, and November 7, 2026.

We would love to see you there! Be sure to follow the ACP Puerto Rico Chapter Instagram page for updates on our Wellness Committee activities and upcoming events.

Until next time, take good care of yourself, because your well-being matters, too.

Ivette Rivera, MD

Wellbeing Champion

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 Save the Date for our Upcoming Events

  • 2026 Clinical Vignettes and Research Competition, 2026 Doctors Dilemma© Competition for Internal Medicine Residencies, & 2026 Doctors Dilemma© Competition for Medical Students will take place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Complejo Feria, Ponce, PR. Portal is now open to receive abstracts. Abstract submission's deadline is on 11:59 PM September 11, 2026.
  • 2027 Puerto Rico Chapter Annual Meeting - March 19-20, 2027, at the Sheraton Convention Center in San Juan, featuring 14 CME credits and Chapter's Annual Business Meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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 YOUR PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT!

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Editorial Committee

Milton D Carrero-Quiñones, MD, FACP
Ivette Rivera, MD
Mrs. Rina Vega

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